Train Signalling Regulations for a Single Line Signalled by the Train Staff Block System.

Forenotes.

The object of the Train Staff System is to prevent more than one train being in the block section between two signal boxes at the same time. The Signalling of trains on the Train Staff System does not in any way dispense with the use of fixed/hand signals, detonators (not GHLR), whenever and wherever such signals or detonators may be requisite to protect obstructions on the line. The signal boxes at which the Block Telegraph Working is in Operation are furnished with Instruments to signal Up and Down trains, and the system under which these instruments are to be worked, and the mode of indicating the description of approaching trains, will be laid down in the regulations supplied to the signalman or exhibited in the signal boxes for the guidance of the persons in charge.

Normal position of fixed signals during the time the signal boxes are open. –Except where instructions are issued to the contrary the normal indications of fixed signals must be as under: -      Stop signals: -DANGER.      Distant signals: -CAUTION. And, except as otherwise provided in these regulations, care must be taken to ascertain that the line is clear, and that the block and other regulations have been complied with before any signal is lowered for a train to pass.

Working of fixed signals at crossing places. -(A) When trains which have to cross each other are approaching a staff station in opposite directions, the signals in both directions must be kept at ‘danger,’ and when the train which has to be first admitted into the station has been brought to a stand, the home signal applicable to such train may be lowered to allow it to draw forward to the station or the starting signal, and, after it has again come to a stand and the signalman has seen that the line on which the on which the other train will arrive is clear, the necessary signals for that train may also be lowered. (B) When a shunting movement is being made on a loop line at a crossing place the home signal applicable to a train approaching on the signal line in the opposite direction must not be lowered, unless there are points which are set to prevent the shunting movement fouling the single line, until the shunting movement has come to a stand and the driver has been instructed that no further movement towards the starting signal must be made. When a home signal at a crossing place has been lowered for an approaching train a shunting movement must not be made towards the starting signal applicable to the opposite loop until the train approaching on the single line has passed clear onto the loop line, unless there are points which are set to prevent the shunting movement fouling the single line.

Normal position of block indicators. –A full description is written in the General Notes Section at the end of the list of bell codes. However, when the line is not in use, then the needle/indicator must be on its authorised ‘normal’ position, however many positions it has. Use of block instruments, bells and gongs. –These must be used exclusively for the purposes shown in the Block Regulations, and must not, under any circumstances be used for conversing. They must only be used by the signalman or other person specially appointed for the duty. The movements on the block instruments must be made carefully, and the beats on the bells or gongs must be made slowly and distinctly, the pauses between the sets of beats being clearly marked.

Regulations.

1) Call Attention. – Except where instructions are issued to the contrary, the ordinary “Call Attention” signal (1 beat) must always be given before any other signal, and must be acknowledged immediately on receipt. It must always precede the “Is Line Clear?” signal, no matter how often the latter has to be repeated. a) Emergency “Call Attention” Bell Signal. – Before sending any emergency bell signal a signalman must attract the attention of the signalman with whom he wishes to communicate by sending a number of beats on the block bell in RAPID succession. This emergency ‘Call Attention’ signal must be answered immediately by one beat on the bell, when the proper emergency bell signal must be given and acknowledged. -A) The emergency ‘Call Attention’ signal may consist of any reasonable number of beats, so long as they are given RAPIDLY, the object being to immediately arouse the attention of the signalman to whom it becomes necessary to send any of the following emergency bell signals: (i) Obstruction Danger.        6 Beats Consecutively. (ii) Train or Vehicles running away.     2 Beats-pause-5 Beats-pause-5 Beats. (iii) Stop and examine train.      7 Beats Consecutively. (iv) Train passed without tail lamp. 9 Beats Consecutively TO BOX IN ADVANCE, 4 Beats-pause-5 Beats TO BOX IN REAR. (v) Train Divided.      5 Beats-pause-5 Beats.

2) – Repetition and acknowledgement of signals. –Except where instructions are issued to the contrary, as in Regulations 5, 8, 9, 10and 12(f), all signals must be acknowledged by repeating them, and no signal should be considered as understood until it has been correctly repeated to the signal box from which it was received. When any signal is not acknowledged, then that signal must be repeated again at short intervals until it is acknowledged correctly.

3)  - Mode of Signalling. –A, B and C represent three consecutive signal boxes and the process of signalling a train are as follows: Prior to the despatch of a train from ‘A’, the signalman there, provided he has received the “Train out of Section” signal for the previous train and permission has not been given for a train in the opposite direction, and the block indicators for the section are in the normal position, must call the attention of ‘B’, and, having obtained it, must give the proper “Is Line Clear?” signal; if the line be clear at “B” the signalman there must acknowledge the signal and place the block indicator on the “Line Clear” position. –The signalman at ‘A’ may then, if the line be clear, lower his signals for the train to leave ‘A’. –On the train leaving ‘A’ the signalman there must send the “Train Entering Section” signal to ‘B’, and the signalman at ‘B’ must acknowledge the signal and place the block indicator to the “Train on Line” position. –‘B’ must then, provided he has received the “Train out of Section” signal for the previous train and permission has not been given for a train in the opposite direction, and the block indicators for the section are in the normal position, must call the attention of ‘C’, and, having obtained it, must give the proper “Is Line Clear?” signal to ‘C’. On receiving permission from ‘C’ for the train to approach, ‘B’ may lower his signals for the train to proceed to ‘C’, and as soon as the train has arrived at, or passed ‘B’, or been shunted clear of the mainline at ‘B’, the signalman there must give the “Train out of Section” signal to ‘A’ and place the block indicator to the normal position. –At a train staff station the “Is Line Clear?” signal must not be forwarded unless the train staff is then at such train staff station.

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